Rincon has argued that it has most of the retail business and should get a larger share of the tax. Springfield has said it hasn't been getting enough to compensate for having so much property that doesn't pay taxes, such as county buildings, schools and the hospital.

The county argued that it really should receive all of the LOST money because service delivery agreements compensate the cities for the services that they provide.

The sales tax is meant to provide property tax relief.

The governments couldn't agree how to distribute the money, after six months of debate that included work with a mediator. The question then headed to court.

Senior Superior Court Judge Albert Rahn III will choose one of the three offers, in "baseball mediation" that is called for by state law.

Deadlines have been pushed back repeatedly in the case. A timetable filed with the clerk of court's office hasn't been updated.

Originally, Rahn said a trial in the matter would be held March 28 and 29 and that he would rule by April 30. He hasn't indicated, in court filings, if he'll stick to those dates.

See effinghamnow.com next week for more about the arguments the municipalities are using to back up their requests.